Actuator for a water spray structure

ABSTRACT

An actuator system for a fluid playground including a first elongated tubular member defining a first axially extending enclosure and having a first inlet connectable to a fluid source, and a second elongated tubular member positioned within the first tubular member, the second tubular member defining a second axially extending enclosure, and having a second inlet in fluid communication with the first enclosure and an outlet traversing the first tubular member. The outlet is connectable to at least one fluid playground device. A plug element is shaped to removably and sealably close the second inlet of the second tubular member. A resilient member urges the plug element towards sealing engagement with the second tubular member. A pressure exerted on a movable actuating element connected to the plug element causes its displacement away from sealing engagement with the second inlet, thereby allowing fluid flow to the fluid playground device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/804,890, filed Mar. 25, 2013 and Canadian patent application CA2,811,108 filed Mar. 25, 2013, the contents of which are incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to play structures for use in a waterspray park, a park or a playground. More particularly, the presentinvention relates to an actuator for use in play structures withoverhead water sprays, water spouts or faucets, water cannons and inground water jets.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Recreational water spray parks have grown in popularity over the years.Most water spray parks consist primarily of in-ground jets andabove-ground structures that spray the users with water. These waterfeatures are normally activated by a mechanical push button or anelectronic sensor that activate a play sequence. The duration of thisplay sequence is controlled by the mechanical push button mechanism orby an electronic control panel installed for that purpose. Someactivators are manually activated while others are feet activated. Whileexisting activators are good at activating a sequence of operation,nothing permits a direct control of the water output for one or morewater features.

Consequently, there is a need for an actuator system that addresses atleast one of the above-mentioned needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to propose an actuator system thatsatisfies at least one of the above-mentioned needs.

According to the present invention, that object is accomplished with anactuator system for a fluid playground, the actuator system comprising:

-   -   a first elongated tubular member defining a first axially        extending enclosure and having a first inlet connectable to a        fluid source;    -   a second elongated tubular member positioned within the first        tubular member, the second tubular member defining a second        axially extending enclosure, and having a second inlet in fluid        communication with the first enclosure and an outlet traversing        the first tubular member, the outlet being connectable to at        least one fluid playground device;    -   a plug element shaped to removably and sealably close the second        inlet of the second tubular member;    -   a resilient member to urge the plug element towards sealing        engagement with the second tubular member; and    -   a movable actuating element connected to the plug element;        wherein a pressure exerted on the movable actuating element        causes a displacement of the plug element away from sealing        engagement with the second inlet of the second tubular member,        thereby allowing fluid flow from the fluid source to the fluid        playground device.

A non-restrictive description of a preferred embodiment of the inventionwill now be given with reference to the appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A to 1D are perspective, front, side and top views respectivelyof an actuator system according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are cut front views of the actuator system shown inFIGS. 1A to 1D, with the movable actuating element in a non-actuatedconfiguration and in an actuated configuration respectively.

FIG. 3 is a cut view of the actuator system along line A-A of FIG. 2A.

FIGS. 4A to 4C are front, side and top views respectively of an actuatorsystem according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are front and side views respectively showing examplesof an installation of the actuator system shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C in theground.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the actuator system shown in FIG. 5A.

FIGS. 7A to 7D are perspective, front, side and top views respectivelyof an actuator system according to another embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are cut front views of the actuator system shown inFIGS. 7A to 7D, with the movable actuating element in a non-actuatedconfiguration and in an actuated configuration respectively.

FIG. 9 is a cut view of the actuator system along line A-A of FIG. 8A.

FIGS. 10A to 10C are front, side and top views respectively of anactuator system according to another embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are front and side views respectively showing examplesof an installation of the actuator system shown in FIGS. 10A to 10C inthe ground.

FIG. 12 is a top view of the actuator system shown in FIG. 11 A.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1A to 1D, according to a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention, an actuator system 10 for a fluid, preferably water,playground is shown. As better shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the actuatorsystem 10 includes a first elongated tubular member 12 defining a firstaxially extending enclosure 14 and having a first inlet 16 connectableto a fluid source 50. A second elongated tubular member 18 is positionedwithin the first tubular member 12, the second tubular member 18defining a second axially extending enclosure 20. The second tubularmember 18 has a second inlet 22 in fluid communication with the firstenclosure 14 and an outlet 24 traversing the first tubular member 12.The outlet 24 is connectable to at least one fluid playground device. Aplug element 26 is shaped to removably and sealably close the secondinlet 22 of the second tubular member 18. A resilient member 28 urgesthe plug element 26 towards sealing engagement with the second tubularmember 18 as shown in FIG. 2A. A pressure exerted on a movable actuatingelement 30 connected to the plug element 26 causes a displacement of theplug element 26 away from sealing engagement with the second inlet 22,thereby allowing fluid flow from the fluid source 50 (shown in FIG. 5A)to the fluid playground device.

Below is a list of other alphanumerical references for some of thecorresponding optional components illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings:

-   -   100. ground connection    -   102. stainless steel anti-theft screws    -   104. drainage element    -   106. stainless steel plate    -   108. water line    -   110. concrete slab    -   112. stones linked to French drain (the French drain surrounding        the concrete slab    -   114. sand    -   116. undisturbed soil    -   118. geotextile    -   120. levelling screws    -   122. concrete base    -   124. non-retractable concrete    -   126. stainless steel anchoring    -   128. rubber cover, varying colors

Preferably, the fluid is water.

Preferably, the resilient member is a spring.

Preferably, the second tubular member is coaxially positioned withrespect to the first tubular member such that fluid circulates from thefirst inlet annularly around the second enclosure towards the secondinlet, upon actuation of the actuating surface.

Preferably, the fluid playground device is selected from the groupcomprising water spray structures, water spouts, water cannons,in-ground jets and/or faucets in a spray park.

Preferably, the present invention permits the activation of one or morewater spray structures, water spouts, water cannons, in ground jets andor faucets in a spray park, a park or a playground with a mechanicallyactivated push button. By pressing, a movable actuating surface, such asa button, the water playground device will be activated. When pressurefrom the button is released, the water playground device willimmediately stop functioning. The user will be able to directly controlthe water output of one or more play structures in a spray park, forexample.

Having such a feature available can permit the creation of interactivegames with an action/reaction feature for water spray parks. At the sametime, this can greatly help in reducing the water consumption of eachelement controlled with such a device, compared to present activatorsthat turn on a play structure for a set period of time even if no one isusing the structure or device. Water consumption of a water spray parkis a major concern for customers, when installing such as system. Lowerwater consumption for similar play effect in a spray park offers animportant competitive advantage.

FIGS. 7A to 12 show actuator systems according to other embodiments ofthe invention. In these embodiments, the actuator system components arearranged such that fluid flow to the fluid playground device can beadjustably controlled, and not simply provide on/off control of fluidflow. Hence the amount of fluid flow to the device can be madeadjustably dependent on the pressure exerted on the actuating element20.

Preferably, most of the structure of the actuator system is made of 304Lstainless steel. The movable actuating surface can be covered withheavy-duty flexible resilient rubber, having a color that can beselected by the purchaser of the system.

Preferably, the actuator system is entirely mechanical and does notrequire any electrical input.

Preferably, the actuator system may be disassembled for maintenancepurposes even if part of its body is placed in concrete. It can also becircumvented or bypassed if one does not want to use the actuatorsystem.

Preferably, upon providing water from a water source to the actuatorsystem, a user can simply step on the actuating surface in order toallow water flow to the water playground device. A pressure equivalentto a weight of 5 kg can be sufficient. Water will flow to the playgrounddevice as long as pressure from a foot is exerted on the actuatingsurface.

Preferably, the actuator system allows a creation of interactive watergames between users. Learning and discovery games can be created when auser can control a water jet remotely from a location. Such a learningscenario can be developed upon use of a plurality of above-describedactuator systems within a water playground, wherein a playground deviceappears to be not directly linked to the actuator system. The surpriseof a user that is sprayed by another user can create a new dynamicwithin a water playground.

Preferably, the actuator system is to be installed within a 35 MPA 406mm concrete base below a freezing level in the ground, preferably 1524mm below a finished surface. All actuator system components arepreferably grounded.

Preferably, the first inlet and the outlet have 38 mm connectors toconnect to the water source and water playground devices.

Preferably, the actuator system further comprises a 6 mm thick anchoringplate and four stainless steel anchoring rods to anchor the actuatorsystem on a concrete base. The actuating surface may further compriseanti-theft locking mechanisms that require a special tool to unlock andrelease the actuating surface from its installed location and from thecomponents the actuating surface is attached to.

Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed in detail herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings,it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to theseprecise embodiments and that various changes and modifications may beeffected therein without departing from the scope of the presentinvention.

1. An actuator system for a fluid playground, the actuator systemcomprising: a first elongated tubular member defining a first axiallyextending enclosure and having a first inlet connectable to a fluidsource; a second elongated tubular member positioned within the firsttubular member, the second tubular member defining a second axiallyextending enclosure, and having a second inlet in fluid communicationwith the first enclosure and an outlet traversing the first tubularmember, the outlet being connectable to at least one fluid playgrounddevice; a plug element shaped to removably and sealably close the secondinlet of the second tubular member; a resilient member to urge the plugelement towards sealing engagement with the second tubular member; and amovable actuating element connected to the plug element; wherein apressure exerted on the movable actuating element causes a displacementof the plug element away from sealing engagement with the second inletof the second tubular member, thereby allowing fluid flow from the fluidsource to the fluid playground device.
 2. The actuator system accordingto claim 1, wherein the fluid is water.
 3. The actuator system accordingto claim 1, wherein the resilient member is a spring.
 4. The actuatorsystem according to claim 2, wherein the resilient member is a spring.5. The actuator system according to claim 1, wherein the second tubularmember is coaxially positioned with respect to the first tubular membersuch that fluid circulates from the first inlet annularly around thesecond enclosure towards the second inlet, upon actuation of theactuating element.
 6. The actuator system according to claim 2, whereinthe second tubular member is coaxially positioned with respect to thefirst tubular member such that fluid circulates from the first inletannularly around the second enclosure towards the second inlet, uponactuation of the actuating element.
 7. The actuator system according toclaim 3, wherein the second tubular member is coaxially positioned withrespect to the first tubular member such that fluid circulates from thefirst inlet annularly around the second enclosure towards the secondinlet, upon actuation of the actuating element.
 8. The actuator systemaccording to claim 4, wherein the second tubular member is coaxiallypositioned with respect to the first tubular member such that fluidcirculates from the first inlet annularly around the second enclosuretowards the second inlet, upon actuation of the actuating element. 9.The actuating system according to claim 1, wherein the actuation systemadjustably controls a rate of fluid flow between the fluid source andthe fluid playground device, the rate of fluid flow being dependent onan amount of pressure exerted on the actuating element.
 10. Theactuating system according to claim 2, wherein the actuation systemadjustably controls a rate of fluid flow between the fluid source andthe fluid playground device, the rate of fluid flow being dependent onan amount of pressure exerted on the actuating element.
 11. Theactuating system according to claim 3, wherein the actuation systemadjustably controls a rate of fluid flow between the fluid source andthe fluid playground device, the rate of fluid flow being dependent onan amount of pressure exerted on the actuating element.
 12. Theactuating system according to claim 4, wherein the actuation systemadjustably controls a rate of fluid flow between the fluid source andthe fluid playground device, the rate of fluid flow being dependent onan amount of pressure exerted on the actuating element.
 13. Theactuating system according to claim 5, wherein the actuation systemadjustably controls a rate of fluid flow between the fluid source andthe fluid playground device, the rate of fluid flow being dependent onan amount of pressure exerted on the actuating element.
 14. Theactuating system according to claim 6, wherein the actuation systemadjustably controls a rate of fluid flow between the fluid source andthe fluid playground device, the rate of fluid flow being dependent onan amount of pressure exerted on the actuating element.
 15. Theactuating system according to claim 7, wherein the actuation systemadjustably controls a rate of fluid flow between the fluid source andthe fluid playground device, the rate of fluid flow being dependent onan amount of pressure exerted on the actuating element.
 16. Theactuating system according to claim 8, wherein the actuation systemadjustably controls a rate of fluid flow between the fluid source andthe fluid playground device, the rate of fluid flow being dependent onan amount of pressure exerted on the actuating element.